The recent snow & ice sure felt like the 'snowmageddon' we experience in 2021 [albeit on a smaller scale]. We are so thankful for reduced power outages and catastrophic events but we wanted to take a moment to share some advice for driving through the ice & snow (in bite-size chunks):
-If snow and ice accumulates on your vehicle, make sure you clean it off your hood, roof, trunk, lights and windows before hitting the road. This will keep you safe, through better visibility, and keep others safe around you, too.
-If someone is helping push your vehicle out of its spot, do not let them stand directly ahead or behind the drive wheels. The spinning tires can throw objects and cause injury.
- Drivers should stay 8-10 seconds behind the car in front of them on icy or slippery surfaces.
- If you're on a four-lane highway, stay in the lane that was cleared most recently.
- Another important one: Do not use cruise control on an icy or slippery surface.
- Avoid quick "jerky" movements of the steering wheel, which can cause skidding.
- If you have to avoid a collision, it might be better to steer rather than brake if you're driving more than 25 mph. Sudden braking could cause a loss of control.
If you drive on icy roads long enough, a skid may be inevitable. There are several ways you can handle this situation.
- If your car is in a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go. Do not slam on the brakes, as this will only make it harder to regain control. When your rear wheels stop skidding, keep steering to avoid a skid in the opposite direction.
- If your car is in a front-wheel skid, again steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go. When the front wheels regain their grip, the vehicle will be able to steer again. You can then steer the wheels in the direction you want. Unlike a rear-wheel skid, a front-wheel skid on a car with front-wheel drive, will not result in your car skidding in the opposite direction, as the front wheels will be locked.
Stay safe out there - this weather is unforgiving and it may just be worth it to wait a day or two before venturing out. Contact us today for a FREE ESTIMATE - we would love to serve you!